Monday, 31 October 2016

Ever since cinemas have started to open up again in Pakistan, people have been flocking to see their favorite movies on the big screen on the huge multiplex screens to capture the essence of the film in its entriety. However, while the ticket prices at various multiplexes are a bit over the top for a normal working person, good news is in store for them as Universal cinemas is opening in Emporium Mall Lahore with a low ticket price of Rs 650 for IMAX quality visuals!Housed on four massive floors, The Emporium Mall is the only spot for those who are looking for some of the best international and local brands and the most sought after restaurants for culinary delight. The mall is also home to an impressive eight-screen Cineplex, banquet halls for all occasions, a children’s recreational zone, a renowned boutique hotel and a hypermarket for all kinds of shopping requirements.Universal Cinema is one of Pakistans biggest multiplex and with 9 screens it is opening on the 1st of November at the Emporium Mall in Lahore and the best part is that it will also have the facility of IMAX within that low ticket price so everyone can enjoy a good time at the movies.Universal Cinemas is a venture of Nishat Chunian Group and while it will be opening at the Emporium Mall in November ,it has also opened up at the grand shopping complex in Multan.

While the plethora of upcoming Pakistani films already had us excited, it's Mehreen Jabbar's second venture, Dobara Phir Se, which promised us all that had been lacking! Whether it was the appealing visuals revealed through the trailer a few months ago, or the stellar cast consisting of Sanam Saeed, Hareem Farooq, Ali Kazmi and Adeel Husain, we've been fans ever since and the film just seems to keep on giving! And now, with the release of it's title track, we cannot stop but join the Jabbar fandom forever.

Narrating a scene where four friends cruising together in a car heading to the lake, without a care in the world, the music video subtely takes us on a journey where the four croon together and basically just seem to be having a good time in each other's company. Calming and romantic? Check.

Sung by Haniya Aslam and Ali Hamza, who both did an outstanding job with the vocals and definetely kept the 'cool and casual' sentiment to it, give the music video an aura that truly works on the appeal of the lyrics. Also composed by Aslam, the lyrics have been written in collaboration with Bilal Sami.

If there is one song that you need to listen to today, make sure it's this one with its simplicity, which just works on its great audio-visual aesthetic! Some may say that it was probably boring but it was anything but boring. The song had a cool environment to it and was something we would listen to when we don't want anything too much and need to sit back, relax and enjoy the things around us.

The trailer of the much anticipated film 3 Bahadur – The Revenge of Baba Balaam has been released and it is the most impressive thing you’ll see.

The trailer shows the three brave protagonists, Saadi, Amna and Kamil enter a conflict as the evil Baba Balaam abuses his power.

Renowned filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has helmed the project in association with Waadi project.

The trailer of of the animated film begins with the introduction of Saadi, who is seen racing with other schoolmates on Sports Day.As the trailer unfolds we witness the three brave protagonists talking about the use of power.

Dinnu is seen advocating the correct use of power, as he says, “I gave you three the powers to eliminate evil from the world. Power is used to serve people.”

It shows the presence of an evil power threatening to disturb peace in Roshan Basti. The 2.30 minutes trailer displays incredible animation and sound effects.

the conflict between the three leaves us confused. Whether they will end up splitting and deviate from their cause letting Baba win or will they fight back keeping their differences aside, only time will tell.

Like its predecessor, the film boasts a start-studded cast, including the voices of actor Ahmed Ali Butt as Gola, comedian Ali Gul Pir as Teeli and Lolly, Sarwat Gilani as Saadi’s mother, Fahad Mustafa as Imran, Salman Shahid as Baba Balaam, Arisha Razi as Amna, Mustafa Changezi as Tony, and Zeba Shanaz as Parrot.

The film, upholding its legacy, will inspire the children with its release on December 15.

Thursday, 27 October 2016

Pakistan’s first hand-drawn anime film The Glassworker’s trailer is out and it is the most impressive thing you’ll see today.

Singer-turned-animator Usman Riaz utilised crowd sourced funding together with a traditional approach to create his feature film, the first of its kind in the country.

Earlier, while speaking to The Express Tribune Riaz said,“Pakistan really has no hand-drawn animation industry. With this film and studio, we hope to lay the foundation and support a new generation of artists.”

The trailer of the film, which is produced under the banner of his brainchild business, Mano Animation Studio, begins by introducing us to a young boy named Vincent who is learning the art of glass-blowing from his father.

The story traces the life of the young boy who falls in love with a frequent visitor of his father’s shop. It is a chronicle of the lives of two lovers in their formative years, attempting to sustain the relationship as their circumstances become complicated.

As the trailer unfolds, we hear his friend Alizay reading out a letter she sent to Vincent. The incredibly seamless animation will leave you in awe.

Watch the trailer here.

Friday, 14 October 2016

After a prolonged delay,Abdullah – The Final Witnessis set to release on October 21. Based on the Kharotabad incident that saw the deaths of five unarmed foreigners at an FC checkpoint in Quetta, the film had initially run into trouble with the censors who had termed its content “controversial”.

The film, which has been in works for the past three years, stars Hameed Sheikh, Imran Abbas and Sadia Khan. Talking toThe Express Tribune, director Hashim Nadeem said, “The censors thought the film was too intense. They asked us to tone it down. Specifically, they asked for two cuts and to blur the climax scene. We could not just blur it as it would affect the film so we reshot the scene and now there are no more issues.”

Interestingly, he went on the praise our censor watchdogs. “They were very cooperative and I think it’s good for Pakistani cinema the way they handle films.”

The Kharotabad incident of 2011 had attracted attention from both local and international media. Asked how the film would portray it and how close it would be to the real-life events, Nadeem said, “The film actually revolves around Abdullah, who was the driver driving the foreigners, and how the incident affected his life. It shows the aftermath, the consequences of what happened. But, of course, the film’s backdrop is the incident.”

The director said through the film he aims to put the criticism against the paramilitary force to rest. “There has been a lot of negative reports and propaganda revolving around the incident. With this film, we have tried to clear that out and send a positive message,” he added.

Abbas, who plays Abdullah’s son, said he was happy that the film was finally releasing. “We worked on the film years ago and now it is good to see that it’s finally releasing. All the credit goes to Hashim Nadeem.” However, he clarified that he does not have a lead role in the film. “I have a very small role so I wouldn’t say it’s my film. The story revolves mainly around Abdullah so it can’t be said this is my debut film in Pakistan.”

Sheikh, whose filmsOperation 021andMoorwill be in cinemas very soon, said, “It’s not a mainstream film so you cannot expect a lot but I am happy that it’s finally releasing.”

Asked how he felt about the current situation that has brought back some of his previous silver screen outings to theatres, he said, “I’m very glad that three of my films are coming to cinemas soon. But what I really think is that we need more of the international cinema on our screens. I understand the situation with India, and until it’s sorted out, we must explore world cinema and bring, let’s say, Iranian films. Give people more variety, because we still don’t have a lot of good films to carry the business forward all year round.”

Despite criticism for being just another pretty face, actor Syra Yousuf has proved her mettle over time. She has walked as a showstopper, been the face of heavyweight fashion brands and experimented with both drama serials and telefilms. This year, she made her big screen debut with a cameo inHo Mann Jahaanand is now essaying lead roles in two films slated for an early 2017 release.

InChalay Thay Saath, Syra plays a doctor but that is not the only reason the film piqued our interest. Playing her love interest in the film is Kent S Leung, a Chinese actor who does not know a word of Urdu. “The film is about how love doesn’t need a language,” she tellsThe Express Tribune. “Kent and I became friends instantly. It was his first time in Pakistan and that too in the remote Northern areas of Pakistan, but it was great fun.”

The actor reveals that the film deals with various themes. “The film is about the different kind of relationships you deal with in life whether they are with family or friends.” The character she plays, Resham, has been written exclusively for her and that is what makes it special.

Chalay Thay Saathhas also been compared to Janaan because the latter too has been shot in the northern areas of Pakistan. Speaking about this, Syra mentions, “It is similar to the film in that sense because Janaan was focused on the Pukhtun culture and this is on the Hunza culture but their storylines are completely different.”

Syra has been selective about the films she associates with, even previously rejecting a Hollywood production with Ben Kingsley. “Other films didn’t click and I’m a very picky actor so I thought if I’m going to do a film, it should check all the boxes. I liked the people, the storyline, the producer and director and their passion for it.”

Another point to note is that the Yousuf-Subzwari clan is one that has immersed itself fully into the industry. Syra and her husband Shehroz are actors, as well as Shehroz’s father Behroz Subzwari, who is also starring inChalay Thay Saath. Syra’s sister, Palwasha Yousaf was also roped in as the stylist. “Palwasha read through every character and designed individual looks for everyone,” shares Syra about her sister’s styling stint in the film.

WhileChalay Thay Saathis slated for a February 2017 release,Project Ghaziwill be released later next year. Touted as Pakistan’s first-ever superhero flick, the film is based on a mission and stars Humayun Saeed, Sheheryar Munawar and Syra in lead roles alongside Adnan Jaffar, Aamir Qureshi and Nusrat Hidayatullah.

Syra shares that the only thing in common between the two films is the progressive nature of the roles she is essaying. “They are completely different in their genre so I’ve been living a different character for 45 days and then coming home and completely snapping out of it.”

While she has always talked about her inclination towards directing, she discloses she has already written the rough draft of a story. “It’s a love story and what inspired me to write it was that my father was in aviation so all my life I’ve just seen him fly in and out.” Syra hopes that directing a film will be the next step of the career ladder that she continues to climb.

Thursday, 13 October 2016

There’s no such thing as bad publicity, they always say. Not long ago, model Rachel Khan shot to fame after news of cricketer Umar Akmal allegedly ‘harassing’ her came to the fore. Now that the furore has died down, Rachel is set to make her film debut and step into the mainstream.

Talking toThe Express Tribune, the model-turned-actor said Pakistan did not produce any film heroines after Meera. “I am confident that I will one day achieve what she has achieved,” Rachel said.

Filming forKabeeris already complete and the movie is currently in post-production. An RN Films production, the movie stars Ali Khan, Shamil Khan and other newcomers. Singer Asrar has sung two songs for its soundtrack that has majorly been prepared in India. “It is every model’s dream to become a film star,” she said. Rachel revealed that work on the film was under way for a year and most of the shooting has been carried out in the picturesque north of the country. “I had an offer from India as well but I choseKabeerbecause it has a wonderful script.”

Rachel said there is a shortage of new actors in the industry. “In the past, there were directors known for introducing new heroines in the industry. Unfortunately, that is no more the case,” she said.

The actor was of the view that politics and art should be kept separate and that Indian films should be allowed in Pakistani cinemas. “We do love our country but we should not forget the ground realities of our industry.”

The man credited for the revival of Pakistani cinema is all set for a comeback, with yet another potential blockbusterVerna,written and directed by Shoaib Mansoor himself under his banner SHOMAN Productions.

The veteran writer, producer, director and the recipient of Pride of Performance has helmed blockbusters likeKhuda Ke LiyeandBol, both critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies that not only brought back the long lost culture of film viewing in Pakistan but put the Pakistani film industry on the global entertainment radar. His latest flick will feature Mahira Khan in the lead role.

Talking toThe Express Tribuneabout her journey from being launched as a film star five years ago to becoming the face of Pakistani cinema, Mahira said, “Well, I think the whole journey now would be very very different. My part inBolwas small and also my first ever acting experience. I was nervous but I was carefree, enjoying my time on set with the kids who played my brother and sisters. When Shoaib Sb called me after five years this time and told me the story, I knew I’d be challenged as an actor.”

When asked if this film will feature socially taboo topics just like other Shoaib Mansoor films, the superstar shared saying, “His films always do revolve around a certain social issue/taboo, yes this film does the same.”Commenting on Shoman bringing about what no other director can, Mahira said, “In Bol he wanted me to just be myself, I don’t think I’ll have it that easy this time! I hope he can manage to bring out the best in me and I am ready to give it all I’ve got. InshaAllah.”

Shoaib Mansoor shared, “This film has been written and directed by a man of Pakistan for the men of the world to listen to women. It is to encourage women to speak up.Khuda ke liye bol verna…”

Sultana Siddiqui, PresidentHUM Networkstated, “We atHUMare very happy to have signed up as distributors for Shoaib Mansoor’s filmVerna. Shoaib’s films are commercial but at the same time focus on topics that carry a strong message. We are hopeful that this film will be even more successful than his previous ones.”

Verna

is expected to further raise the bar of film making in Pakistan.

The movie is slated to release on Eid-ul-Fitr 2017.

Saturday, 8 October 2016

Yasir Nawaz is gearing up for his next movie titledMehrunisa I Lub Youstarring the gorgeous Sana Javed and handsome Danish Taimoor. This will mark Javed's debut on the big screen after having walked out onRangrezadue to family issues. The movie's shooting is expected to begin soon and with the date coming close, the director along with his producer wife Nida Yasir is busy getting a massive set constructed - it is said to be one of the largest sets ever created in Pakistan's history and will cost a whopping Rs2 Crores!

According to Express News, the director is making original sets on real locations where he has created an entire neighborhood of Burns Road too - one of Karachi’s busiest areas - to give the movie a unique touch. For a while the need to get sets made for movies had been brushed aside but with Nawaz about to begin his shooting soon it seems the director is quite keen on bringing the old tradition back. Apart from the set, even the buildings which have been constructed have been made by thermopile and wood to give it a realistic feel.

It is the first time in the history of Pakistani cinema that a producer is willing to spend so much on one set considering there are more which need to be constructed too.

Yasir Nawaz's first film,Wrong No, was a romantic comedy which earned the title of a fullpaisa wasoolfilm as it gave tough competition to the much hyped film,Bin Roye, and was one of the most popular films in the history of Pakistani cinema in terms of box office numbers.

Mehrunisa I Lub Youis a romantic comedy too but with a very strong message and besides Danish Taimoor and Sana Javed, it will also have Javed Sheikh in the lead. The story has been written by Yasir Nawaz himself along with Saqib Sameer who has collaborated with him on the screenplay; production is of course by YNH which is a production company owned by Yasir Nawaz, Nida Yasir and Hassan Zia who also producedWrong No.

With producers willing to invest heavily in making movie sets, a thought which comes to our mind is that hopefully the same attention will also be given to the production value as well as the story line because at the end of the day no matter how lavish your sets or exotic your locations are, it is the story content which makes a movie a hit or a flop.

Produced by film actor and director Sangeeta,Tum Hi Tou Howas set to release on Eid this year alongsideSultanbut was delayed due to some issues. The film marks her return as director following a hiatus, and stars Danish Taimoor, Mathira, Quratulain and Saim Ali. According to Sangeeta,Tum Hi Tou Hois now set to release in December this year!

In an interview with HIP earlier, Taimoor revealed that he will essay the role of a guy who plays the love interest of a vamp (Mathira); he himself is in love with a librarian - a character played by Quratulain.

Shot entirely in Karachi, Lahore and Murree, the movie (which will be distributed by GEO) is expected to have six songs in its soundtrack. The story line has been written by Sooraj Baba who was also responsible for writing the Noor Bukhari directorial venture,Ishq Positive.

Sangeeta in the past has directed many successful feature films likeNikahbut after releasingTarapin 2006, which had Babrik Shah, Resham and Saud in the lead, the director decided to take a break. With the revival of cinema perhaps Sangeeta decided this was a good time for her to come back to what she loves doing most - directing movies.

Whether the movie manages to be a box office hit or not, only time will tell.

Friday, 7 October 2016

In wake of the self-imposed ban on Indian movies by film exhibitors, there is bound to be pressure on the local industry to multiply its output to stay in business. Amidst such crisis, IMGC Distribution Club has taken a step up.

The distribution company has announced it will release at least one Pakistani film every month. Starting withAbdullah: The Final Witnessreleasing on October 21, it will follow up with Sahir Lodhi’s debut film Raastain November and Shahzad Rafique’sSaluteon December 2.

Next year will see the release ofBhai Wanted,Two Plus Two,Price of HonourandWajood.

According to reports,Abdullah: The Final Witnesswas initially banned in Pakistan but has now been okayed by the censor boards.

“Whether there is a ban on Indian films or not, we will continue to play our role for the growth of Pakistani cinema,” IMGC Global Chairperson Shaikh Amjad Rasheed toldThe Express Tribune.

Asked whether they are willing to give up-and-coming film-makers a chance to show their films as well, Rasheed said, “Absolutely. We are open to everyone who wants to showcase their films.”

However, he said IMGC will still release Indian films for which they have already signed the deal. “There is no official ban from the government and we have already made a deal so we will be screening films such asAe Dil Hai Mushkiluntil there is an official word.”

The company has previously distributed some major Pakistani films such asOperation 021andKarachi Se Lahore, along withIshq KhudaandBlind Love. While it has also been the local distributor of many Bollywood films such asSultan, with the situation at hand, it is looking to make the best of what we have.

Sunday, 2 October 2016

With a gap left by the ongoing ban on Bollywood films, local exhibitors have come up with an alternative to maintain footfall. As all we have left now is Hollywood and our local cinema to keep the cash flowing, cinema owners are in full preparation to bring back the best of Pakistani films to our screens.

Cinepax Cinemas took to Facebook page to make the announcement that it will be screening films likeMoor,Manto,Mah-e-MirandBin Roye. “The schedule is not confirmed yet but it will obviously be after Ashura. We will announce it soon,” Cinepax Cinemas Assistant Marketing Manager Abid Ali Zaidi toldThe Express Tribune. Other films planned for reruns includeShah,Dukhtar,BachaanaandZinda Bhaag.

Super Cinemas also has similar plans. “We are currently planning to do so but as of now, the three Eid releases are doing really well and we don’t want to affect their business. We will wait another week or so before we do it,” said Super Cinemas General Manager Khorem Gultasab. “We are already in talks with the producers of our popular films,” he added.

On the other hand, Atrium Cinemas Managing Director Nadeem Mandviwalla said he has no plans to rerun films currently asJanaan,Actor In LawandZindagi Kitni Haseen Hayare doing well but he might consider doing so in the near future.

WithZinda Bhaagback in theatres, producer Mazhar Zaidi has a bittersweet response. “I’m happy to see that my film has been brought back to cinemas. It’s an encouraging step as people used to say they watched it at random screenings but not in cinemas,” he said. “However, at the same time, it’s a sad situation that we’ve ended up relying on reruns. This is obviously not a long-term solution since we depend heavily on Bollywood films for our revenue.”

It is interesting to note that four of the films being brought back –Moor,Zinda Bhaag,Mah-e-MirandDukhtar– have been Pakistan’s submissions for Academy Awards in recent years. Negotiations to rerun our first Oscar submission,Jago Hua Savera, are also under way.

The reruns come in the wake of exhibitors collectively deciding to ban Bollywood films in solidarity with Pakistani actors and the army, after the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) decided to temporarily ban Pakistani artists from working in the neighbouring country.

In another interesting development, IMPPA member Rahul Aggarwal resigned over the ban. “With utmost respect and humility, I would like to resign from the executive body of IMPPA, following the ban on Pakistani artists in the Indian film industry,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “I strongly feel that art is above politics and as the custodians of this art, it is our responsibility to bring people together, rather than divide them.”

As local cinemas prepare to survive the turbulent months, it will be interesting to see how they affect the box office.